WITF News Stories

State House lawmakers approved background checks to purchase any type of firearm in Pennsylvania. WITF’s Jaxon White reports the proposal passed Tuesday faces long odds of passing the state Senate. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Congress faces the deadline to pass a federal budget, more than 100,000 government workers in the commonwealth are bracing for a shutdown. WITF’s Jaxon White reports that Governor Josh Shapiro says he hopes Washington lawmakers can reach a deal, but that Pennsylvania is ready if they don’t. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planned Parenthood agencies nationwide can no longer bill Medicaid for providing basic medical care due to Congressional Republicans’ tax and spending law.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports central Pennsylvania’s clinics will keep their doors open even as the cuts are reducing access to care around the country. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Democrats say Pennsylvania’s richest man is trying to buy the outcome of the state’s Supreme Court retention race this year.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports from a protest outside the offices of TikTok investor Jeffrey Yass. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House Democrats are renewing their efforts to reform gun ownership laws in Pennsylvania amid several recent high-profile gun deaths — including conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the three Northern York County Regional police officers killed by a gunman. WITF’s Jaxon White reports the bills are advancing largely along party lines.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnys...

Lawmakers are looking for ways to combat depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress — especially among veterans and first responders.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports state House members are considering psychedelics as a potential treatment. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania’s governor Josh Shapiro says President Donald Trump and his allies are making partisan claims about who is responsible for political violence in America. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on Shapiro’s call for bi-partisan denunciation of political violence. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House is touting a new $50 billion program to aid rural health care, included in the Republican Party’s tax and jobs cut law passed in July. WITF’s Jaxon White reports it is unclear how much Pennsylvania stands to gain from the program.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania's new Hemp & Cannabis Guild hopes to unite growers and retailers under a single advocacy banner. WITF's Jaxon White reports on the aspirations of the group's 30 members across the state.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The vast majority of Americans reject political violence.  Studies show 98 percent of Americans across the political spectrum do not support murder as a political tool, like the killing of Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven Lancaster County Mennonites are out of jail after protesting in the U-S Capitol over the war in Gaza.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports the Pennsylvanians joined over 100 protestors from Virginia and neighboring states.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of litigation, Pennsylvanians may finally get an answer to one basic question about mail-in voting.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports the state’s supreme court justices are weighing whether requiring voters to correctly add a date to mail-in ballot return envelopes is a constitutional violation or a reasonable burden. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/...

Pennsylvania is in its third month without a state budget, pausing payments for schools, counties and various human services. WITF’s Jaxon White reports that Democrats and Republicans are insisting they’re close to finding agreement. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices elected as Democrats are defending their records on the bench amid criticisms from the Republican Party over their impartiality in rulings.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports the judges all face a statewide vote on Election Day, determining whether they’ll keep their seats. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

A York County man is being charged with assault but not with a hate crime after attacking an LGBTQ+ community member. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports Pennsylvania’s laws do not include protections against hate directed at people for their gender identity or sexual orientation, though Democratic lawmakers are trying to change that. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.co...

President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as U.S. district attorney of Pennsylvania's Eastern District is still waiting on his confirmation from the Senate.  WITF’s Jaxon White reports Senate Democrats are pushing to stall his nomination, along with nine others across the country.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Control of Pennsylvania’s highest court is at stake this November 4th, as voters decide whether to retain three Democratic Supreme Court justices. WITF’s Jaxon White reports supporters point to their impartial rulings and endorsement from the nonpartisan Pennsylvania Bar Association.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Pennsylvania sees a rapid rise in data centers — the question of how to meet their massive energy and cooling needs continues to rack the brains of legislators.  Nuclear power remains their major focus, but WITF’s Jaxon White reports the answer could be right under their feet.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public agencies in Pennsylvania spend millions on private lobbying to influence state government and secure state grants. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano, a Franklin County Republican, says he’s still months away from a decision whether he’ll run again for governor.  WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports while Mastriano deliberates, the state’s Republican leaders are coalescing around State Treasurer Stacy Garrity as the party’s preferred candidate for governor. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omn...

A Pennsylvania activist named Heather Honey is moving from running election conspiracy groups to taking a top elections policy role in the U-S Department of Homeland Security. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports on warnings from elections experts on what this means for the federal government’s once strong role in supporting election security.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omny...

Gov. Josh Shapiro said Republican leaders are intentionally stalling budget negotiations for political points ahead of his expected bid for reelection next year. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of Pennsylvania's largest teachers union on Tuesday blamed the Senate’s top leader for delaying millions owed to school districts across the state. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump says he wants to get rid of voting by mail and voting machines. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reports some of Pennsylvania’s congressional Republicans say they like the idea, but election rules are set by states, not the president.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of children and teens now know how to write and record audio stories thanks to summer camps at Harrisburg's public radio station. WITF's Karen Hendricks reports on the stories produced by journalism's next generation.  Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.